Before & After: A Blissful Update Reinvents a 1960s Alexander Home in Palm Springs
Listed for $880K, the modernized post-and-beam home embodies quintessential Palm Springs style.
A revitalized Alexander Home just returned to the market in Palm Springs after a renovation led by interior designer and stylist Lilianna "Lilly" Kim. Originally built in 1961, the residence is one of hundreds completed through the partnership between architect William Krisel and the Alexander Construction Company. Kim, who purchased the home back in June, sought to honor the desert style with a warm interior update and improved indoor/outdoor flow.
Located in the highly desirable Racquet Club Estates in Palm Springs, this two-bedroom Alexander home is back on the market after a recent renovation led by designer Liliana "Lilly" Kim.
Gianna Christina Photo
The updated living area benefits from ample natural light thanks to all-new, full-height windows, as well as an additional set of sliding glass doors that connect to the side yard.
Gianna Christina Photo
Get the Renovations Newsletter
From warehouse conversions to rehabbed midcentury gems, to expert advice and budget breakdowns, the renovation newsletter serves up the inspiration you need to tackle your next project.
The original floor plan remains unchanged, although Kim extensively updated the home’s finishes. Throughout the interior, new concrete floors provide a cohesive look, complementing the original beams and wood-clad ceilings. The kitchen and bathrooms received the most changes with all-new cabinetry, countertops, and hardware.
Before: Exterior and Interior
Before, the front facade was marked by a two-toned paint job and metallic details.
Photo courtesy of Redfin
The living room had a broad fireplace hearth, common in many Alexander homes—however the room lacked a direct connection with the side yard.
Photo courtesy of Redfin
The kitchen echoed the front facade with a metallic backsplash and glossy cabinetry.
Photo courtesy of Redfin
In addition to extensive mechanical and system updates, other upgrades include an oak-slat feature wall in the principal bedroom, which conceals a walk-in closet. Outside, an expanded patio offers a new fire pit and poolside lounging area, while the heated-and-cooled garage provides additional space for a studio or work area.
After: Interior and Exterior
New windows flank either side of a downsized fireplace. The smaller hearth still features the original masonry blocks.
Gianna Christina Photo
The kitchen takes on a warmer appearance while retaining the previous configuration. Painted cabinets contrast with wood-fronted ones that match the peninsula.
Gianna Christina Photo
A wall of windows and a sliding glass door provide views of the backyard pool.
Gianna Christina Photo
In total, the home offers two bedrooms and two full bathrooms with 1,225 square feet of interior space. The property’s location in the heart of Palm Springs also offers a convenient starting point for walking or biking around the area. Keep scrolling to see more of the property, currently listed for $879,900.
In the updated principal suite, a wood-clad wall conceals a hidden closet door beside the nightstand.
Gianna Christina Photo
A private patio provides a quiet outdoor space for the bedroom.
Gianna Christina Photo
Both bathrooms features all-new finishes and walk-in showers.
Gianna Christina Photo
A look at the second bedroom, which is currently staged as a home office.
Gianna Christina Photo
Kim updated the .28-acre lot with new concrete patios and landscaping—including a border of nearly 150 ficus trees.
Gianna Christina Photo
A fire pit adds an entertaining area alongside the covered patio. The backyard overlooks iconic views of Mount San Jacinto.
Gianna Christina Photo
And, of course, no home in Palm Springs would be complete without a backyard pool.
Gianna Christina Photo
1077 E Francis Drive in Palm Springs, CA, is currently listed for $879,900 by David Neglia of Elevate Palm Springs Real Estate.
Related Reading:
Design 101: What Are Alexander Homes, and Why Are They Still So Beloved?
Iconic California Midcentury-Modern Architect William Krisel Dies at 92
A Palm Springs Alexander Home Sings After a Chic Renovation and Hits the Market to the Tune of $2.1M
A Palm Springs Alexander Home with Mountain Views Lists for $1.9M
Project Credits:
Interior Design: Lilianna (Lilly) Kim
Know of a home for sale or rent that should be featured on Dwell.com? Find out how to submit to Dwell.
Published
Last Updated